Social Engagement versus Isolation in the Well-being of Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Keesha K Jones

doi:10.36648/2472-1786.5.3.86

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a detrimental disorder of bone that puts patients at increased risk of pathologic fractures. Patients with cerebral palsy (CP), due to a multitude of factors, are at increased risk of developing this disorder. Studies in the past have looked at various treatment options for these patients to reduce and/or prevent pathologic fractures. Most studies have looked into the use of bisphosphonates for prevention. Teriparatide is a recombinant PTH analog that has been shown to increase bone mineral density and reduce fragility fractures in adults with non- CP related osteoporosis. Despite the reduction seen in these studies, empirical evidence for the use of PTH analogs in CP related osteoporosis is scarce. PTH analogs, like Teriparatide, have shown to be beneficial in patients with non-CP related osteoporosis, further studies need to be performed to assess its benefit for patients with CP related osteoporosis.

Highlights

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013)
Future considerations should examine the implications of these forms of social engagement in improving well-being of individuals with comorbid mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression, which are most commonly seen across individuals with ASD diagnosis
More research is needed to examine the role of ethnic/ cultural differences in the expression of and influence of social engagement on the well-being of individuals with ASD

Summary

Introduction

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). A brief evaluation of how social integration versus social isolation impacts the well- being of individuals with this ASD will be examined. Social isolation is highest among individuals with ASD compared to other disability groups; those who live independently are more likely to have social relationships and have more opportunities for social relationships [3] Personal and contextual factors in limited social engagement were identified in a large diverse nationally representative study of young adults with autism [3]. Identified factors were communication and functional impairment, and living with family rather than independently;. Journal of Childhood & DevAeRloCpHmIVeOntSaDl DEiMsoErDdIeCrIsNA ISSINSS2N47126-9187-896465 Those who live independently were more likely to get together with friends, though it is not clear why [3]

Literature Review

Findings

Discussion

Conclusion and Future Prospects